Friday, March 29, 2013

History : The members of Circular Congregational Church are proud to be one of the oldest continuously worshipping congregations in the South. Among highlights of our history are: Charles Towne's original settlers founded this protestant, or dissenting, church about 1681. The graveyard is the city's oldest burial grounds with monuments dating from 1696. The first meeting house on this site gave Meeting Street its name. The third structure here, a vast, circular hall built in 1804, burned in 1861. Bricks from "Old Circular" were used in building the present sanctuary in 1890.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Jo owns Beads on Cannon in Charleston, SC. The shop originated as a jeweler and watch maker's store in 1850 so it is appropriate that it now should hold Jo's well-stocked shop for customers interested in making jewelry. Her amazing inventory contains beautiful beads from all over the world as well as vintage gems from the 30's and 40's. After a professional career as a middle school librarian, Jo entered this business and went back to school and studied Chinese for 3 years to make it easier to talk to vendors from Asia when she was at market, looking for more beads for her store. Born in New Jersey, she has lived in Charleston for 30 years...guess she likes it here!

Friday, March 22, 2013

History: Sweetgrass basket making has been a part of the Mount Pleasant, SC community for more than 300 years. Brought to the area by slaves who came from West Africa, basket making is a traditional art form which has been passed on from generation to generation. Basketmaking has always involved the entire family. As a custom, men gathered the materials while women weave the baskets.

Material: Baskets are made with Sweetgrass, Bulrush or Marsh, Long Leaf Pine Needle, and Palmetto Leaves. Baskets can be cleaned with mild soap using a cloth or soft brush. A simple design can take 6-12 hours and a more creative, complex design can take as long as 5 days.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Two days ago I showed you a portrait of a story-teller whom I met at an event at Pinckney National Historical site. A group of Lincoln Middle School students entertained us with their music. A very talented group!!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The unfolding of the Vernal Equinox is like the unfolding of the petals of a floral blossom The flower gradually reveals its beauty until it reaches the apex of its form. At which time the perfect shape and vivid hues balance one another much like the balance of day and night of the equinox. Then the flower slowly fades and decay begins the process that leads to the death of the flower. The days lengthen to accommodate nature and balance the life and death of the blossom: the gradual and inevitable natural cycle of birth, decay, and rebirth.

Sharing with City Daily Photo’s “Festival of the Equinox” extra theme day. To see other interpretations, go here.

Added later: I probably should have labeled it in my narrative as a camellia since some viewers thought it was a rose.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I recently visited Pinckney National Historical Park because of an outdoor program of story-telling and steel drum music. I met and talked at length with Carolyn E. White who is a folk-life historian with a wonderful wit and wisdom on Gullah life and culture. Some of her travels have taken her to several African countries, and it was in South Africa that she was given the Zulu name Jabulile.Go here to see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts from bloggers across the globe!

Monday, March 18, 2013

This lovely woman from India is diminutive but dynamite. While visiting South Carolina several states and miles from home, Dr. Swapna, used all of her medical knowledge to both placate and cure me when I became ill. Her professionalism and personal charm is just what one needs in a doctor when far from one's own primary physician. Wish I could take her home with me, but I doubt that I could persuade her to leave the Charleston area where she and her husband and two children have found a home that she loves outside of India.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Fred , a former attorney, is the owner of the The Wreck, short for The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, an unusual seafood restaurant in Mount Pleasant, SC. At first glance the name appears to refer to the waterfront restaurant's look, topped off with a shabby, screened-in porch. (In actuality, the Richard and Charlene was a trawler that slammed into the building during a hurricane in 1989.) But looks aren't the thing here—it's all about the food.The Wreck with its fantastic menu rose like a Phoenix after Hurricane Hugo on September 21, 1989 laid waste to Shem Creek and the area. Prior to the hurricane the shack on the property sold fresh shrimp, but it evolved into this restaurant that the locals love and the tourists find after someone takes kindly to their quest for good food. Fred showed us around the empty restaurant one afternoon, informing us that it wasn't open 'til 5:00 pm for dinner. We returned and had great seafood and the best She Crab Soup that I have tasted anywhere. The scallops, oysters and shrimp weren't bad either! If you're in the area, I'd advise a visit!Since it's St. Paddy't Day, I chose Fred's photo because he looks like someone from "the oulde sod!"

Friday, March 15, 2013

The original Palmetto log fort was begun in 1776 and only partially completed when attacked by a squadron of British warships. Col. William Moultrie and his men staved off the assault in the Battle of Sullivan's Island. The current structure was completed in 1809. Union soldiers abandoned the fort in December 1860 for the stronger Fort Sumter. Following the surrender of Fort Sumter, Confederate forces fortified Moultrie as one of a string of batteries and forts protecting Charleston's harbor. In February 1865, Confederates evacuated the city leaving the fort behind, hidden under a band of sand that protected its walls from federal shells. The interior of the fort has been restored to reflect the story of American seacoast defense through World War II, and a visitor center is located near the fort. The National Park Service administers the fort.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Monday, March 11, 2013

With the exception of a short time in Jacksonville, Florida, which she loved, Ericka has been a lifelong resident of Charleston. I went into Paolo's on John Street to buy a chocolate gelato. The shop was out of that flavor, but, despite all the other delectable selections, I decided to pass until another time. Ericka and I chatted and I learned that she is now attending Trident Technical College, studying to become a pharmacist technician. She hopes to transfer to the College of Charleston, and after graduation return to Jacksonville, With that million dollar smile and sparkling personality, I think she'll succeed!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

I visited Beads on Cannon, a very well-stocked bead store in Charleston. Not knowing much at all about making or repairing jewelry, I asked for help and Lissa gave me friendly and expert advice. She even fixed my two pairs of earrings herself. Talk about service! Lissa has been working at this particular shop for six months but has had many years of experience with beading and jewelry.. After living in the Bronx she moved to Charleston for the warmer weather and because she was "tired of shoveling snow." Can't say that I blame her. Lissa also gave me great advice for a nearby restaurant serving shrimp and grits, my current favorite dish! What service!!